Welcome to the Conjuring Shadows self-paced horror writing workshop! This chilling experience is designed for writers of all levels to delve deep into the realms of fear, suspense, and the uncanny. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a timid newbie, this workshop will guide you in crafting spine-tingling tales that haunt your readers.

Workshop Outline

1. Getting Started

Before we dive into the chilling exercises, introduce yourself in this thread!

• Share your name or pseudonym.

• What draws you to horror writing (themes, styles, or particular authors)?

• Reveal one horror writing goal you’d like to achieve during this workshop—maybe it’s completing a short story or perfecting your eerie atmosphere!

  
  

2. Writing Prompt 1: "The Unexpected Visitor"

Exercise: Write a haunting piece (300-500 words) about a character who encounters an unexpected visitor that turns their world upside down. Consider chilling elements such as:

• What horrors does the visitor bring?

• How does your character react? (Fear, intrigue, madness?)

• What lingering consequences ripple through their life?

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Share your spine-chilling creation in the comments below! Dive into the darkness, and don't hesitate to ask for feedback or engage with others’ eerie tales.

3. Character Creation Exercise

Create a detailed character profile that could haunt your story:

• Name:

• Age:

• Background:

• Greatest Fear:

• Dark Secret:

• Connection to the Supernatural (if any):

  
  

Post your character profile in this thread! Let the group know how this character might evolve in a chilling narrative.

4. Writing Prompt 2: "The Secret in the Cellar"

Exercise: Write a chilling scene where your character discovers something terrifying hidden in their cellar. This could be a ghost, a sinister object, or dark family secrets. Aim for 200-400 words and keep your reader on edge:

• How does the setting enhance the fear?

• What emotional stakes are involved for your character?

• How does the discovery change their reality?

  
  

Share your disturbing scene below and connect with your fellow writers through comments and feedback.

5. Collaborative Storytelling (Optional Activity)

Instructions: Embrace the spirit of the workshop by engaging in collaborative storytelling! Start a round-robin horror story in the comments, where each participant contributes one chilling sentence at a time.

• Example: Participant A sets the scene with an eerie description, then Participant B adds a plot twist, and so on.

6. Resources for Further Writing

Here are some dark delights to inspire your writing:

• Books:

  • The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

  • Bird Box by Josh Malerman

• Websites for Prompts:

  • Horror Writers Association (horror.org)

  • Reddit's r/WritingPrompts

    
    

7. Share Your Progress

As you spiral into the depths of your imagination, keep the community updated on your progress! Share any chilling breakthroughs, details that have sent shivers down your spine, or pieces you’re especially proud of crafting.

8. Conclusion and Hashtags

Thank you for participating in the Conjuring Shadows workshop! We hope this experience ignites your passion for horror and encourages you to keep writing. Feel free to share your workshop journey on social media, using hashtags like #darkholmepublishing #ConjuringShadows, #HorrorWriting, #WritersCommunity, #WritingPrompts, and #SpineChillingTales. Let’s keep the thrill alive!